About this Program

Enhance your bachelor's degree with a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate. This undergraduate certificate will provide you with specialized knowledge of English language fundamentals. You'll learn the relationship between language and culture, communication across cultures, and how to approach the teaching and assessment of English as a second language (ESL). The TESL certificate at ODU is available to undergraduate students and non-degree seeking professionals, including teachers who wish to prepare for adding an ESL endorsement.

Program Highlights

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Undergraduate Certificate
Delivery Modes

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

$83,330 Median Salary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Interpreters and Translators

$51,790 Median Salary

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

$77,660 Median Salary

Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

$75,640 Median Salary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Teaching English as a Second Language at ODU?
Students entering the Undergraduate Certificate program in Teaching English as a Second Language should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
  • Six credit hours of general education composition courses, or permission of the instructor

  • If you are not pursuing a bachelor's degree at ODU, you will apply as a non-degree seeking student

  • Current ODU students should talk to their current academic advisor about adding this certificate to their studies

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Sheri Reynolds